From January 23 through January 29, 2017 IFHF Board Member and founding member of TeamExtreme, Winston Fisher, took part in the World Marathon Challenge which consists of running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. This massive undertaking raised over $60,000 for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and spread immeasurable awareness to the cause. Below we’ve shared Winston’s post-challenge blog. To read all of Winston’s blogs from each stop on his journey visit www.intrepidteamextreme.com/blog.
I am fired up!!! This experience was incredible!! I just ran 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents and I feel amazing!! The best part is I set a personal record for a marathon, finishing in 3:50!! This is what it’s all about, experiencing life to its fullest, joy, happiness, pain, sacrifice, satisfaction. Every part of me is alive and jacked up!
This race was first and foremost for my children. I want them to know they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. Life is not easy, it requires sacrifice but success is theirs if they work for it. Lead by example. Walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk.
The other reason I did this race was to raise funds and awareness for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The men and women of the military have risked their lives to defend our freedoms and, unfortunately, have come back with life changing injuries. Traumatic brain injuries is a silent killer if untreated. Fallen Heroes Fund is the front line of medical treatment. Our troops do so much for us the least I can do is help them heal. Any support is deeply appreciated!!
After Dubai, I was shattered! We basically ran 6 marathons in 5 days. My muscles were not working. We boarded the plane in Dubai for a 14 hour flight, I have never been happier for a long flight. I passed out right away, woke up when we refueled in Jakarta and fell back asleep again. All in all I slept 10 hours, pure heaven.
We landed around 11pm local time. Everyone was feeling good and well rested. People exchanged numbers, lots of hugs and words of encouragement. We made it to the end, one last marathon and the glory was ours! While I was happy I was also very nervous about my Achilles. I figured it was shot and this was going to be a very painful and long marathon. Not that I really cared about my time but I was hoping my last marathon would be strong.
After hobbling to the start line we were ready to go. The energy was electric from the group. It was 1am and we were running along a beautiful beach. I could feel the air crackle with excitement. Cross fingers this goes well!
3 2 1 Go!! Everyone took of strong! I came out of the gate and felt OK. I figured run hard till I blew up. My legs were strong, the pain was manageable. Maybe just maybe I could push it. Each mile I went a little harder. Enjoy every ache, every pain. Feel the sweat pouring off me. You have to work for this. I kept getting faster!
I finished 13 miles and I was fired up!! I was under two hours and going strong. Maybe just maybe I can set a personal best but I need to be smart. I am very passionate when I am pressing it. I was throwing my water bottle cause it did not work, screamed at my phone cause the headphones broke and sang out loud to music that pumps me up. Let it all out! Become a beast and push your limits.
Every mile I was digging deeper and feeling stronger! My muscles hurt but my soul was alive. I am not overly religious but I was thanking my higher power for giving me this experience. I am blessed to be here. With four miles to go I dug in and pushed my speed. Go big or go home! Make this count!! Scream, yell, do what you have to do but don’t give up!!
When I finally crossed the finish line I was on fire!! I did it!!! It’s a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. My goal in life is to collect experiences. This is one for the bank. I am an average joe athlete who just believes I can do it. That’s my trick, I refuse to think anything is bigger than me. That attitude takes me to some interesting places!
I owe many people deep thanks for helping me achieve this goal. Jimmy’s coaching was genius. He knew what I could handle and pushed me perfectly. Ljubo was my secret weapon, building my core strength and helping keep me to stay limber. Dr Rob made sure every joint worked, he is the best!! Russ is truly the best massage therapist, every Sunday was heaven. Huge thank you to Jenny for just helping plan everything, you’re the best. All these great photos are from Mike Caruso Jr, he is the greatest. To my family and friends who supported me, thank you. You put up with my training schedule and constant dialog about the race, it can be annoying. Thank you to everyone who provided words encouragement.
-WINSTON
Posted on January 30 2017 in News